INVESTIGATION OF CONTROL DATA REQUIREMENTS FOR SUPER-ORBITAL RE-ENTRY,

Abstract

This report was prepared to document the information developed in a study of superorbital approaches to planetary atmospheric entry. The areas covered by this report include a method for computing the impulse optimum approach trajectory to a landing point, given the position and orbit of the space vehicle. Also included is a method of statistically determining the expected impulse required for an approach to the earth with imperfect measuring devices, imperfect thrusting devices, and imperfect knowledge of the initial orbit. This is done where corrections are based on distance to earth, or the size of the required correction. Also included is a statistical method of computing the optimum number and locations of corrections along an approach to enter the earth's atmosphere. The most important result of this study is not the data that is presented, but the methods of study and the tools that have been developed and mechanized to study the planetary approach problem. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1964
Accession Number
AD0606066

Entities

People

  • R. G. Seibert
  • W. R. Bush

Organizations

  • Douglas

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Atmospheres
  • Orbits
  • Spacecraft
  • Trajectories
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Regression Analysis.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers